This is a photo you have likely seen in the news. The day after President Obama’s State of Union Address, he flew to Arizona and was greeted by Governor Jan Brewer.  While I am not going to get into politics and will not tolerate a political debate here, I think this photo has some fascinating body language.

This photo clearly depicts a heated and emotional situation on the part of Governor Brewer.

Look at the close proximity of the two.  Brewer is upright, stiff and lifting her finger — either making a point or telling Obama off.  When we look at Obama, we can see that he is actually leaning away.   This is indicative that Brewer is the aggressor at this moment.

Brewer also appears she is talking quite aggressively at the President.

In contrast, Obama shows no stress in his forehead, on his face, or in his body.

There is a pulling back of Obama’s lip on his left side, which could come from speech, could be a sign of disagreement (“I don’t know about that”) or it could be a mild form of contempt. We can’t discern this from the photograph.

Obama has a slight squint, which could come from the sun in his face, or it could be a mild smile or smirk.

If you also look closely, Obama has lifted his right arm and hand, and could be possibly trying to soothe Brewer with an arm or hand touch.

If Brewer wanted to rattle Obama, I don’t think she succeeded.